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Updated: Mar 27, 2026
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device for Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: February 28, 2012
Percutaneous Left Atrial Appendage Closure With the Watchman Device: Long-Term Results Up to 5 Years
Jens Wiebe1, Jennifer Franke1, Katharina Lehn1
1CardioVascular Center Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.
Insights
Percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure using the Watchman device is a safe and effective stroke prevention method for atrial fibrillation patients. Long-term follow-up shows low rates of ischemic events, demonstrating its efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Interventional Cardiology
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common arrhythmia linked to increased stroke risk.
- The left atrial appendage (LAA) is a primary source of thrombi in AF patients.
- Percutaneous LAA closure offers an alternative to oral anticoagulation for stroke prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of Watchman device-based percutaneous LAA closure.
- To evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation treated with LAA closure.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 102 patients with AF undergoing Watchman LAA closure (June 2006-August 2010).
- Patients had CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores ≥1.
- Follow-up included regular office visits and telephone contact for up to 3 years.
Main Results:
- Procedural success rate was 96.1%.
- Mean follow-up was 3.0 ± 1.6 years.
- Annual event rates: TIA 0.7%, stroke 0.7%, intracranial hemorrhage 1.1%, and death 3.5%.
Conclusions:
- Watchman device closure of the LAA is a safe and feasible procedure for stroke risk reduction in AF.
- Low rates of ischemic events confirm the long-term effectiveness of LAA closure.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure with the Watchman device.
Background:
Atrial fibrillation is one of the most common arrhythmias and is associated with a high risk for cardioembolic ischemic events, most notably stroke. Percutaneous LAA closure is an alternative to oral anticoagulation, because most thrombi originate from the LAA.
Methods:
All consecutive patients with minimum CHADS2 or CHA2DS2-VASc scores of 1 who underwent LAA closure with the Watchman device between June 2006 and August 2010 were eligible. Follow-up examinations were performed after 45 days to 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year and thereafter annually. Afterward, alternating office visits and telephone follow-up were performed every 6 months.
Results:
A total of 102 patients were included. The mean age was 71.6 ± 8.8 years, and 37.3% were women. The mean CHADS2 and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 2.7 ± 1.3 and 4.3 ± 1.7, respectively. Procedural success was achieved in 96.1% of patients. During a mean follow-up period of 3.0 ± 1.6 years, the annual rates of transient ischemic attack, stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and death were 0.7%, 0.7%, 1.1%, and 3.5%, respectively.
Conclusions:
LAA closure with the Watchman device is safe and feasible for stroke protection in patients with atrial fibrillation. Low ischemic events rates demonstrate its effectiveness during long-term follow-up.
